Most of you know that Mark and I were called to be "Ma and Pa" for a group of teenagers on a pioneer trek simulation that took place December 28-31. We had a great time and here are some of the pictures to share our experience with you. On the first morning we met the kids that would be part of our family and then put together our handcart.
And we are off!
After 8 miles we had what was called "The Women's Pull". This represented the times when pioneer families were separated from their husbands, fathers and brothers due to missionary or military duties. The sisters took it upon themselves to haul the load alone for a mile while the brothers walked along side or behind. It was not easy.
Here is some of the beautiful scenery we were lucky enough to enjoy while out there. We were still pushing our cart into camp here as it was getting dark and as we approached the site where we would settle for the night we had to push up "heartbreak hill". It was the most difficult hill through the entire trek and my family had to camp at the top, pushing higher up the hill then any other family. As soon as we arrived we had to set up camp and get dinner. So soar we didn't want to move we had pushed through nearly 12 miles on the first day.
This the second morning on the trek. We took down camp, had breakfast and pushed our carts approx three more miles.
After arriving at camp and setting up tents we had the chance to enjoy some activities. Above I am doing some archery and below "Pa" is relaxing with the baby as the rest of the group is participating in hatchet throwing.
After some more activities, pioneer games and lunch we made a trip to the make shift cemetery to bury the baby who had phnamonia and had a rough night with it being so cold. Of course this was all to simulate what the pioneer families had to go through facing death along the trail.
Next we were on to learn how to shoot a rifle with old fashioned black powder. This was fun.
Back to camp to warm up and have a campfire dinner.
Early in the morning we met for some words of wisdom from our Stake President and then a spiritual testimony meeting. We were so proud of our family with four of them getting up among their peers to share their thoughts.
Another couple miles and we are almost done!
After reaching our destination we pulled the wagons into a circle and had a couple closing thoughts from President Johnson and a closing prayer.
We gave hugs goodby, took some last pictures and had everyone sign the family flag for our souveneir.
It was a great experience and Mark and I are so glad to be a part of it.
6 comments:
That's quite the journey. I am glad Mark survived it and hopefully with a smile!!! :)
I forgot you guys were doing this, did I even know?
Wow, Well I am sorry about the boy we were talking about... but I am so glad that you all had a great adventure! I am glad that I didn't have to go... that sounds like a lot of hard labor and work! I am more into vacation mode rather than work mode over, or should I say since the holidays, so you guys are brave! Glad you made it back in one peice and I know that your kids have to have really grown and enjoyed you as their ma and pa!
WOW!! That is great that you were able to do this! That looked like a lot of work, but it is neat that you got to experience what the pioneers did.
That is great that you guys got to go. The youth loved ours!!
Come on we never get to see you guys- you need to update your blog. Did you get a job??
Need an update!
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